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Cover Reveal – Primed For Revenge

Quote of the Day: “One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.” Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums

books by Carolyn M. Bowen, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1
I believe every writer’s dream is to find the right words to connect with readers. I know that’s my mission and feedback/reviews from you make a difference for connecting the dots.

I’ve been busy preparing the launch for my new mystery-thriller, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1. The Kindle version is available for preorder ONLY on Amazon and will be added to other sites upon the official release date of April 2, 2019.

At that time bookstores across the world will have the paperback in stock and available for purchase. There are NO official online options for purchasing the paperback until April 2nd. Just in case you’ve seen some – not official!

Here’s a short book trailer announcing the book. I hope you will preorder at this low early bird offering. You can thank me later! Keep reading for a giveaway now in progress.


Goodreads Giveaway

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Primed For Revenge by Carolyn Bowen

Primed For Revenge

by Carolyn Bowen

Giveaway ends February 21, 2019.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/289379

Thank you for being an important part of my author’s journey. I’m continuing to make changes to my website and social sites. Stay tuned for the best is yet to come! Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

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Brand Mania: Book Review – Say My Name!

Brand Mania: Book Review – Say My Name!
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Quote of the Day: Social media is changing the way we communicate and the way we are perceived, both positively and negatively. Every time you post a photo or update your status, you are contributing to your own digital footprints and personal brand. – Amy Jo Martin

Today I’ve reviewed an excellent book by Matt Bertram about building and maintaining your brand. He provides the big picture and the blueprint for attracting your ideal customer over time.

We need to understand and welcome the idea that everyone doesn’t fit into your fan base. Those who do will become a supporter and potential customer. And, that’s not all!

Now, with the right online tools and resources, you can monitor your brand and quickly take action to keep your brand in good standing without hurting yourself in the long run. This isn’t the time for “going to the mattresses” in godfather terms.

“Conversations among the members of your marketplace happen whether you like it or not. Good marketing encourages the right sort of conversations.” Seth Godin, Seth’s Blog

Note: There are many excellent monitoring sites on the Internet. For a start, you can Google your own and your business name and see what’s on the net about you. In addition, I personally use and recommend the monitoring provided by Mention and Google Alerts. Remember, to use your own name and keywords associated with your brand.

Build Your Brand Mania: How to Transform Yourself Into an Authoritative Brand That Will Attract Your Ideal CustomersBuild Your Brand Mania: How to Transform Yourself Into an Authoritative Brand That Will Attract Your Ideal Customers by Matt Bertram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bertram provides a step-by-step guide for developing an authoritative brand on the world-wide-web. His in-depth explanation provides a way to attract your ideal customer. You’ll learn how to filter out what doesn’t fit your business objectives. The end results will be the development of a cohesive plan to reach people interested in your offerings.

How do you handle unfavorable comments online? First, you need the best tools, and online resources to track communications about your brand. This seasoned digital marketer integrates the answers for what to do when confronted with the negativity that’ll soften the blow to your image.

If you want to become a trusted advisor or go-to person for a specific product or service, I highly recommend reading Brand Mania.

View all my reviews

I’d love to know about your experiences while branding your business. Leave a comment at the bottom of the post. Thank you!

Books, Carolyn M. Bowen, bloggingShopping for a special someone in your life? Whoever it is, we’re guessing they’d love a good book, because who doesn’t? Look no further than action-packed books by Carolyn Bowen!

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

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Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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It’s Not You – It’s Me!

woman-1446557__340

Quote for Today: “Just as you don’t need to be on every single TV channel, I don’t believe a brand needs to be on every single social media one in a big way.” – Shiv Singh

The new social marketing trends for 2019 are captivating. This one caught my eye with understanding behind the motivation. Put simply, there’s a rising desire for small businesses to cut back their social media posting across multiple platforms.

The reasons are persuasive for analyzing what’s working or not. Social media is time-consuming and is linked to depression for some users. Actively participating costs time and money that may be better spent elsewhere.

The time and resources to create and develop new products and the cost of doing business through these channels is a key point. The need to evaluate the return on the investment (ROI) for the monies spent creating posts, images, videos, etc. is crucial. For example, just because an influencer says there making sales with their storytelling online doesn’t cut it anymore. The proof is in dollars and cents. It has to be experienced for one.

Cross-Stepping MoneyFor example, have you encouraged folks to like your page on a social platform to find few ever saw your creative postings? That’s a dead-end to organic growth from your efforts. The caveat – is until you promoted or sponsored the post as an ad don’t expect growth. Then, the results will depend on the product, the precise targeting, and other demographic variables. And, only a small percentage will click through to become subscribers or potential consumers.

The dollars spent cultivating these type fan bases have been sucked into a dark hole never to be seen again. Take time to study and learn from others about what’s working and make changes as needed. Don’t waste your time and money doing the same old thing expecting different results.

Recently we learned Google+ was ending their social platform that according to some news reports was designed to compete against Facebook. I am sorry to see these changes but understand the reasons behind it. If something isn’t meeting the business goals – end it.

However, this is one of my favorite and largest fan bases. I welcome all my fans to follow my website blog for the latest news about my writing life. In the meantime, I’m staying to the end. The latest report is that Google+ Support will be cut off on December 11th and the app will shut down completely on March 12th, 2018.

I plan to continue evaluating where my advertising dollars are best spent across the web and what social media platform/s helps me achieve my goals. I’ll tell you more about my mistakes in marketing and one I’m correcting soon. Hint: Develop your own real estate.

You can catch me posting on my favorite social platforms daily. Why? Because of the friendships I’ve developed over time and the encouragement and mutual sharing of ideas. What are your social media marketing plans for 2019?

love-1100253__340Shopping for a special someone in your life? Whoever it is, we’re guessing they’d love a good book, because who doesn’t? Look no further than action-packed books by Carolyn Bowen!

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Hello December 2018

christmas-tree-1149619_640

Quote of the Day: “December, being the last month of the year, cannot help but make us think of what is to come.” ― Fennel Hudson, A Meaningful Life – Fennel’s Journal – No. 1

The year 2018 will soon be a wrap as we welcome the month of December. This will be a busy time for there’s a lot to do before the New Year. Here are some of the holidays celebrated throughout the world. Happy Holidays!

December Holidays

  • Dec 2      First Sunday of Advent
  • Dec 3      Chanukah/Hanukkah (first day)
  • Dec 6      St. Nicholas Day
  • Dec 7      Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
  • Dec 8      Feast of the Immaculate Conception
  • Dec 9      Last Day of Chanukah
  • Dec 12    Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
  • Dec 21    December Solstice  (Season)
  • Dec 24    Christmas Eve
  • Dec 24    Washington’s Birthday
  • Dec 25    Christmas Day
  • Dec 26    Day After Christmas Day (State Holiday)
  • Dec 31    New Year’s Eve

What’s on your Christmas list?

christmas-tree-3784021_640

Shopping for a special someone in your life? Whoever it is, we’re guessing they’d love a good book, because who doesn’t? Look no further than action-packed books by Carolyn Bowen!

December Holidays, Carolyn Bowen Author, The Writing Life
Photo Credit: Pixabay

I share on social media daily. Hope to see you there, too!  Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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The Modern Rules of Marketing for Writers

Quote of the Day: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Modern Rules of Marketing for Writers, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author
Photo credit: Pixabay

Yes, I’m hyper anticipating my new mystery novel coming out soon. So – I read – and read more to make my jittery nerves relax.

This book got my attention – maybe because I love Hemi trucks – they can pull a boat so I can ski on any lake/river/ocean accessible by land. I think you get it – crazy about water sports. And, I love knowing the latest marketing news! But, can I do what’s recommended?  Stay-tuned.

Today’s book world is about learning and using the right communication and tools to reach your audience. The creative process and techniques for delivering the best marketing campaign to boost book/s to the bestseller list is a long and curvy road. I have been fortunate – just plain lucky in some instances in the past. However, going forward I will be on a steep learning curve to develop innovative ways to get my stories to be read and reviewed.

I’m old school with Hemingway influence where if you write a great novel everyone should want to read it – right? Times have changed and my writing reflects the current state of affairs in the criminal world. I think people still want to know the interworking of a character’s mind. And, that I can deliver. Maybe market – we’ll see.

Today’s review fits squarely into the marketing model I discussed earlier. How to Sell Books by the Truckload by Penny C. Sansevieri is a keeper. See my review from Goodreads below.
How to Sell Books by the Truckload on Amazon.com - Book One and Two: Get More Sales - Get More Reviews!How to Sell Books by the Truckload on Amazon.com – Book One and Two: Get More Sales – Get More Reviews! by Penny C. Sansevieri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back your Hemi right on back and fill your truck bed with the best information for promoting your book. This book gives you the nitty-gritty about marketing both fiction and non-fiction.

It’s the equivalent of having your personal marketing expert working for you. The downside – you’ve got to learn the ropes and do it yourself.

I’d love an app that embodies everything this book describes but we all know advertising isn’t stagnant, always moving forward. Yet, you can benefit today from using these carefully researched and proven marketing techniques. Get ready for a mind-blowing experience! Follow this author to keep abreast of the changing marketing environment. Thanks, Penny!

View all my reviews

If you’d like to be an advance reader for my upcoming new mystery, complete the information below and an ebook will be made available for your reading pleasure. Thank you!

December Holidays, Carolyn Bowen Author, The Writing Life
Photo Credit: Pixabay

I share on social media daily. Hope to see you there, too!  Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Social Marketing Today

Quote of the Day: Everyone lives by selling something. Robert Louis Stevenson

Social Marketing Today, Carolyn M Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

The art of marketing is solidified when you have identified your target market, folks who are interested in your products and services and provide a means to communicate. Today, social media plays an important role in connecting with like-minded people – talking and listening. But, how do you choose which platforms to use for finding your audience and potential customers?

When you are able to see the overall picture and plan your business future, you’ve just become an author, the business end of being a writer.

Answering the Question

For me, as much as I enjoy creating and sharing photos/videos when posting about my books, I’ve got to be aware of the conversion rate. As an author, you need to know how and where to get your books in the hands of interested readers. I asked the question, where are my potential readers hanging out and what site delivers the best return on my investment?

Having lots of followers on social media isn’t the point. Having people interested in what you say and your offerings are important and play a key role in building relationships.

Many new small businesses rush to share on most or all of the social media platforms. Take your time. Begin with two or three of the major ones and expand from there, if desired.

I would suggest sites, in the least, where everyone who follows can see your posts without advertising. I’m not saying don’t advertise, you can pick a post that’s performing well within your community, tweak it and monitor the results.

My favorite social sites for some time have been Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.

As mentioned in an earlier post, Google+ is phasing out this platform as currently operated. I’m sad. Second, Twitter has always been a great site for me although the news feed moves quickly. Your post most often has a shelf life of 30 minutes max. The good news is your posts are shown to everyone and advertising is affordable if desired. And, third, Pinterest is a fun place to show-off both personally and professionally. It is a behind the scenes kind of thing that allows followers to get to know the real you.

If you enjoy photos and following the trends for just about anything life has to offer, you’ll love this site. Me, I especially love the cute kitties, travel, fashion, and meeting book lovers!

I’m trying out a new site, MeWe.com, the next-gen social network. I like the idea of a site engineered with privacy in mind and the ability to connect with like-minded folks. I’m learning the ropes and will share more about my experiences in a later post.

Do you have favorite social media sites? I’d love to hear from you about what works for your business. Note: I’m on other social sites for various reasons – business and personal.

The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Latest Writing News

There’s a new mystery/thriller release coming up in my near future. If you’d like to become a part of my advance launch team and receive a free copy, sign-up below. Thank you!

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Courage Under Fire!

Courage Under Fire, Carolyn M. Bowen Author

Quote of the Day: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T.S. Elliot

Today’s topic is courage for I can’t think of a more pertinent quality and conduct for achieving success.

Courage Defined

Courage, bravery, valor, bravado refer to qualities of spirit and conduct. Courage permits one to face extreme dangers and difficulties without fear: to take (or lose) courage. Bravery implies true courage with daring and an intrepid boldness: bravery in a battle.

To step into your destiny and live your dreams for the future, courage or a lack thereof plays an important role. When you’re feeling courageous it seems the world is your template to create the lifestyle of your choosing.

When doubt intervenes in your thought processes, you become stuck in your tracks unable or fearful for making a decision that changes the status quo. Calculated change to your present circumstances can bring about the results you’re seeking. A shift in your mindset toward the idea of success and accomplishing your goals is the first step.

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ― Joseph Campbell

What’s impeding your steps toward achieving your goals?

  1. Fear of judgment or being ridiculed
  2. The embarrassment of falling on your face in public
  3. Unsure of your capabilities for achieving your goals
  4. Not having a clear plan and strategy for success

The above are all possibilities if you focus on the downside. Some of the most successful people in history have failed, more than once, but they didn’t stop trying or believing in their goals.

“Worrying about something you can’t change will forever be the biggest waste of your time.” — Unknown

Fear of the unknown has caused many to stop in their tracks, don’t let that be your downfall. People who judge you most likely don’t know you. They’re likely acting out of jealousy, greed and/or shortcomings of their own. Don’t let anyone influence your life goals. Even those close to you, don’t know everything about you. Listen, and then make your own judgment calls.

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. Mark Twain

First, you’ve got to believe in yourself and your plans for the future. Then, have clearly defined goals and strategies for accomplishing your dreams or ideas for the future. Lastly, follow through on your plans and revise as needed to hit your mark.

What are your plans for success? Begin taking action today one step at the time. I’m looking forward to learning about your courageous leaps of faith to realize your dreams. Carolyn Bowen

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

Launching “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! ” has been a wonderful experience. Helping others live their best life now is rewarding. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Prepping for October 2018

Quote for Today: “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”  Michael Altshuler

October 2018, The Writing Life
Photo Credit: Pixabay

This month is swishing by like a video streaming of an Amtrac train blistering full throttle down the tracks. Sticking to my writing schedule is a daily priority and I am deliberate in making progress although tight-knuckled at times. I’m tickled to see the end in sight for my next project. I’ll tell you more about it next month. (Smiles)

I love celebrating special occasions and holidays are included in these fun days. The dates listed below are this month’s (Oct.) observances. Although I’m not a big fan of Halloween, I’ve noticed its’ growing popularity. So, enjoy and have fun trick or treating!

October Holidays

Monday, October 8 Columbus Day (Federal Holiday)

Wednesday, October 31 Halloween

What do you enjoy most about the fall season? Comment below!

Book Reviewers & Bloggers Wanted:

Do you want a sneak peek of my next novel? Sign up for a Kindle version for your review on major book platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, and others. You’ll be added to my reviewers’ list and emailed your gift code with my appreciation. Thank you!

Latest Giveaway

Exciting news! Subscribe to receive the latest updates about book releases, reviews, giveaways, and receive a free Kindle version of Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! Limited Offer – Act Now! Note: If you follow using a social media sign-in, please provide an email address to send the gift in privacy mode. Thank you!

Latest Book News

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

Launching “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! ” has been a wonderful experience. Helping others live their best life now is rewarding. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Ahoy, Matey! – Celebrating Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Quote of the Day: Batten down the hatches...

Will Turner: This is either madness… or brilliance.

Jack Sparrow: It’s remarkable how often those two traits coincide. From Pirates of the Caribbean – Curse of the Black Pearl

Today is International Talk like a Pirate Day. My first novel, Cross-Ties, depicts the life and times of early pirating in the Caribbean. Read and you’ll see my fascination with the Caribbean and pirating tales from the early days of exploration and surprising allegiances during wartime.

Cross-Ties (13)

Background

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

Since September 19th, 2002, International Talk like a Pirate Day has been celebrated.

Who should we thank for this fun day of talking like pirates?

It all started when John Baur and Mark Summers (June 6, 1995) were playing racquetball and reverted to pirate talk as friendly encouragement.

Time went by and friends reminded them on the day they’d picked to celebrate talk like a pirate day – September 19th. Deciding to create awareness of their unique holiday, they emailed Dave Barry, a well-known humor columnist and author, who to their surprise thought it was a good idea. Barry wrote about the holiday in his column and the rest is history.

The Lost Macaw, B.L. Blair, Writing Life, Book Blog Tour, CMBowen Author, Book Blogger

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Hello, August 2018

Quote of the Day: I always prefer to believe the best of everybody. It saves so much trouble. Rudyard Kipling

August 2018, Writing Life, Summer Days

Hello, August 2018! What are your plans for this month? Many folks have summer vacations or shopping for children’s back to school clothes on their list. Me, I plan to stay in the shade unless the great outdoors beckons me.

August is typically a scorcher in the southern United States. To beat the heat, many enjoy water sports and lazy summer days on the lake. Whatever makes you happy and comfortable is the ultimate winner.

I’m fascinated by the weather and track the activity of the Atlantic hurricane season. The season began on June 1 and ends on Friday, November 30. However, it peaks in late August or early September, though storms can occur year-round. You can bet I’m ready and tuned to the weather channel.

Question: Does the weather temperature where you live make a difference in your lifestyle choices? Let me know, I’m interested in learning more about you.

Grateful, gratitude, writing life
Oh, happy day! My dreams are coming true by helping you discover yours and claiming your destiny. I am grateful for today’s happy news!

“Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” is currently an Amazon #1 Bestseller. Thank you for making this possible. Let me help you realize your dreams, too!

Book Description

When surfers hit the water, they use a technique called cross-stepping or moving their weight forward and backward to stay standing. Cross-stepping isn’t just a good idea for surfers, though – you, too, can metaphorically use the same strategy of zigzagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,”  life coach and Author Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time. She examines grieving, life planning, owning your power, becoming health conscious, learning to love again, and more.

Read “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” and you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life!

Life’s little instruction book for mastering success! Author and lifestyle coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time.  Download and Read ” “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.”

Download Here or read FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Latest Writing News

I’ve gone rogue and today my new book release is in a fascinating genre that’s built on my educational background and practical experience. Reviewers: Do you want to be on my launch team? If so, let me know and a Kindle version will be yours.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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